J Mascis: Several Shades Of Why

J Mascis
Several Shades Of Why
Sub Pop Records [2011]









Fire Note Review: The quiet side of J Mascis emerges on first solo record Several Shades Of Why.

Album Review:
It is hard to believe after all this time that Dinosaur Jr. founder J Mascis has never released a true solo record. Several Shades Of Why changes that as the nearly all acoustic record gives you a side of Mascis that is rarely seen. Choosing to go without drums, Mascis relies on his distinct gravely vocals and some musical help from his friends to help shape this intimate setting. The more known musicians on Several Shades Of Why include Kurt Vile, Kevin Drew (Broken Social Scene), Ben Bridwell (Band Of Horses), and Pall Jenkins (Black Heart Procession), which all make noticeable contributions. Some stand out performances are actually performed by two artists that do not have the name recognition but shine here, as Sophie Trudeau (A Silver Mount Zion) plays violin on the peaceful title track and long time collaborator Kurt Fedora finishes off "Where Are You" with a memorable guitar solo. Several Shades Of Why is not going to have everyone begging for more but given several plays it is a record that fits nicely on Mascis's resume. You always expect a solo record to be different and with the solid songwriting and more acoustic focus, J Mascis accomplishes this while also completely displaying a vulnerable talent many didn't know existed. This approach was unexpected but the results for Several Shades Of Why should be no surprise, as J Mascis is a talent any way you hear him!

Key Tracks: "Several Shades Of Why", "Is It Done", "Where Are You"

Bands With Similar Fire:
Kurt Vile
Nick Drake
Lou Barlow

Dinosaur Jr.: Farm [Fire Note Review 6/23/09]
Dinosaur Jr.: Beyond [Fire Note Review 5/4/07]

J Mascis Website
J Mascis MySpace
J Mascis Facebook
Sub Pop Records

-Reviewed by Christopher Anthony